Mackay set to host top-level cricket this summer

The recently upgraded venue will showcase itself before an international audience later this year with the return of WBBL Brisbane Heat in the Weber Women’s Big Bash League as well as the Queensland Bulls.

With the support of the Mackay Regional Council, Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association, the Heat will return the region for the sixth time; this time for a Saturday night game against the reigning title holders Adelaide Strikers on Saturday 11 November.

The Heat finished third last season, losing in the preliminary final to the Strikers which went on to claim the title.

In keeping with Queensland Cricket’s on-going commitment to take top level cricket to regional centres, the Queensland Bulls will make a return to Mackay, playing a Marsh Sheffield Shield game and Marsh One Day match against Victoria in October.

It will be the first time since the 2015-16 season that Queensland has played a Shield game in Mackay while the Bulls last played a domestic one-day game at the venue in 2011-12.

The Shield game will run from 14-17 October and the One Dayer on 19 October. Further details of the domestic season will be revealed tomorrow when Cricket Australia releases the full Sheffield Shield, One Day Cup and Women’s National Cricket League draws.

Prior to the arrival of the Bulls and the Heat, Mackay will host one-day and four-day matches featuring Australia A and New Zealand A from September 4.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a massive coup for the region to be able to host so many top class cricket matches at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

“This venue has gone from strength to strength, and it will be tremendous to be able to showcase it, and our region, to international audiences,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Mackay crowds love their cricket, and I have no doubt they will be out in force to support our elite Queensland and Australian teams,” he said.

“It really is fantastic to see the young fans able to interact with their sporting heroes and see them in action in their hometown.

“Council is proud to be able to support bringing these high profile matches to our region through our Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program.”

The fixtures for the Weber WBBL|09 competition launched today also feature five Heat games at Allan Border Field this summer.

Acting Queensland Cricket CEO Liam Hibbert said the return of the WBBL and re-introduction of domestic men’s cricket to the Mackay-Whitsunday region would continue to help with growing the game.

“The support for cricket from the areas remains strong and we are very pleased to partner again with the Mackay Regional Council, Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association to bring top class matches and teams to Great Barrier Reef Arena,’’ he said.

“In the longer term, the redevelopment of the Gabba for the 2032 Olympics will mean Queensland Cricket will continue to work closely with venues and councils in regional Queensland such as Cairns, Mackay, Gold Coast and Townsville to identify future cricket opportunities.”

The launch of WBBL|09 fixtures contain several highlights in what shapes as another important season for the competition.

Teams will play more matches in their home markets than ever before, while each side will feature at their home ground in their first nine days of the tournament.

Weber WBBL|09, the world’s leading cricket league for women, will be further boosted by the inaugural WBBL Overseas Player Draft, when Clubs will vie for the services of the world’s best T20 players.

Once again, Channel Seven will broadcast 24 matches, including all three finals, with Foxtel and Kayo to show all 59 matches live.

Tickets for Weber WBBL|09 matches will be available on August 24.